Come for the pork meatballs, stay for the antiques and passion fruit wine.

That seems to be the pattern several weeks after the opening of Gingham, the downtown La Mesa restaurant that is drawing large crowds -- and bringing spillover business to some of its retail neighbors.

Several merchants said foot traffic at their shops has picked up since the casual eatery opened at 8384 La Mesa Blvd., along a block that in the past could turn cricket-quiet in the evenings.

A clerk at Sara's Selections Boutique said it has helped boost sales, while an event coordinator at the San Pasqual Winery tasting room said more out-of-towners are dropping in.

"People who haven't been to the village before are coming by," said Brenda Nason, with San Pasqual.

Others said the spillover hasn't boosted business much, but they are encouraged by the added street life. "It's bringing more flow to the neighborhood," said Carol Tolosko, owner of Centifonti's Bar & Restaurant.

Gingham has generated a lot of buzz because it was the creation of well-known local restauranteurs James Brennan and Brian Malarkey, a critically-acclaimed chef and one-time finalist on the show "Top Chef."

The restaurant's initial success comes at a time when property owners in downtown La Mesa are considering taxing themselves to help pay for sidewalk upkeep and other neighborhood improvements.

Some landowners and city officials argue the money is needed to freshen up the area. Others worry it would drive out the smaller, mom-and-pop shops.